#22: Riding the Wave of Dissent

Revolution is an excuse. Evolution is the real deal.

In the past few days, I have participated in our vibrant democracy by:
- Reading history
- Asking questions
- Engaging on all sides

I see each one of us turn into a lawyer for their cause and the country into a courtroom.

It’s the trial for our future.

But I am also scared.

I fear that we'll win, get everything we asked for, and then forget the utter despair and hopelessness that brought us into the struggle.

What if we fail to pass on what we learnt to the future generations, and 50 years later they find themselves exactly where we are?

"The British have left! It’s a free country for free people."

"We've been through the Emergency. Now we'll never curb anyone's right to protest."

"A corrupt government will pay the price for looting the country."

We forgot every lesson.

Time rolled its dice. And history kept dancing its ugly dance before us.

We kicked and screamed. But kept watching.

Is it all for nothing then?

Endless protesting. Sloganeering. Social justice crusading.

All just day-time fantasies for bleeding hearts?

And then I remember how, in the past month, I have recconnected with dozens of old and new friends. I have physically picked up the phone to ask about whether they are safe or not. I have stepped out into my beautiful city once again and reclaimed the public spaces that I had forgotten are mine.

I see activists, lawyers, students, homemakers and so many others united under the tricolor. A vertible Dumbledore's Army, indeed :)

The mass displays of solidarity have rung in a sense of community in my life once again.

The ground under me is quaking with change, and I don't feel alone anymore.

Sure, times are dark and on some days I feel like it's all for nothing. But I find light in the eyes of every person who's found their purpose.

And I feel myself becoming a little more Aazaad everyday.